The Nurses’ Union (SE) confirmed on Wednesday that its headquarters was searched in connection with a case involving its former president, Pedro Costa. The union assured full cooperation with any judicial proceedings deemed necessary.
In a statement sent to the press, the union noted that the investigation focuses on the actions of the previous administration, led by nurse Pedro Costa.
“The current Board is fully prepared to cooperate with all necessary judicial inquiries, providing any documentation to uncover the truth,” the statement reads.
It further states that if it is proven that the Nurses’ Union was harmed, the current Board intends to seek compensation from those potentially responsible.
“The SE Board regrets this situation, but assures its members that the union continues to function normally in defending nurses’ rights and the field of Nursing,” the statement concludes.
Former president allegedly used “thousands of euros” from union “for personal gain”
A judicial source informed Lusa that Pedro Costa is suspected of using “thousands of euros” from SE “for personal gain,” including personal expenses and cash withdrawals made using the union’s bank card.
According to an RTP report aired in April this year, the former SE president allegedly appropriated about 40,000 euros from the union through cash withdrawals with the union’s bank card and by paying for personal expenses.
The news of the searches was initially reported online by Jornal de Notícias, stating that the former union leader is suspected of committing the crime of breach of trust by allegedly spending union funds for personal gain.
The inquiry is being led by the Regional Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Porto.
The PSP is conducting searches at the headquarters of the Nurses’ Union in Porto. The former president is the target of the investigation.
Andrea Pinto with Lusa | 12:18 – 10/12/2025
